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Countdown to the 2013-14 Season: Left Wing Preview

Goodbye Bobby Ryan. Welcome back Dustin Penner. A look at what to expect from the 2013-14 Ducks at left wing.

Emerson Etem looks to make the 2013-14 Ducks roster. Can he do it? (Spoiler Alert: YES!)
Emerson Etem looks to make the 2013-14 Ducks roster. Can he do it? (Spoiler Alert: YES!)
Jeff Gross

We say goodbye to Bobby Ryan and, at the same time, welcome back a familiar face. Some organizational depth is beginning to show with talented prospects at the left-wing position. Here's a preview of what to expect from the Ducks' left wings - l begin with players likely to have a roster spot and continue with those in the AHL, ECHL, Juniors and college.


Dustin Penner

#17 / Left Wing / Anaheim Ducks

6-5

245

Sep 28, 1982


2013 Stats: [33 GP, 2-12-14, Avg TOI 12:41, 18 PIM]

Last year's grade: C, this grade comes from HailRover at Jewels From The Crown.

He's back!!! Penner has repented to the Hockey Gods and they have rewarded him with a one-year deal with the Ducks. Hopefully this deal brings out the old 2007 Dustin Penner who was great on the then "Kid Line" with Perry and Getzlaf. Expect him to bounce back from a lackluster season with the Kings by reuniting with the twins.


Matt Beleskey

#39 / Left Wing / Anaheim Ducks

6-0

206

Jun 07, 1988


2013 Stats: [42 GP, 8-5-13, Avg TOI 12:00, 56 PIM, team leading 103 Hits]

Last year's grade: B-, read SK's full review here.

The Ducks saw a nice improvement from Beleskey in the shortened season as he nearly matched his 2011-12 season output in a little over half the games. Beleskey played a versatile role with the Ducks last year, and we can expect to see the same from him this year. A fourth-line comprised of Beleskey, Holland and Palmieri, as seen (so far) in training camp, could provide for some great offensive depth in 2013-14. If this line sticks, expect Beleskey to improve upon his grade from last season.


Andrew Cogliano

#7 / Forward / Anaheim Ducks

5-10

180

Jun 14, 1987


2013 Stats: [48 GP, 13-10-23, Avg TOI 15:22, 6 PIM]

Last year's grade: A-, here is Kyle's analysis from last season.

Cogliano "the toothless wonder" exceeded expectations last year with his speed, grit and late game heroics. Cogliano and Saku Koivu seems to be a pairing that Bruce Boudreau likes on the ice. With a full season, Cogliano should be a consistent contributor that adds some depth scoring somewhere on the third or fourth line. Expect Cogliano to match last season's grade.


Daniel Winnik

#34 / Left Wing / Anaheim Ducks

6-2

213

Mar 06, 1985



2013 Stats: [48 GP, 6-13-19, Avg TOI 16:49, 16 PIM]

Last year's grade: B, check out Kristen's full review.

Daniel Winnik provided some early scoring depth on a line with Cogliano and Saku Koivu. With the Bruce Boudreau experiments in full effect at this year's training camp, we may see Winnik leave the left wing and move to center a line of his own. This will be something to keep an eye on, especially considering there is a log jam of sorts with prospects on the rise. We'll have to see what opportunity Winnik will have to improve upon his grade.


Emerson Etem

#65 / Right Wing / Anaheim Ducks

6-1

210

Jun 16, 1992


2013 Stats: [38 GP, 3-7-10, Avg TOI 11:27, 9 PIM, tied for the team lead in playoff goals with 3]

Last year's grade: A-, SK's review can be read here.

Emerson Etem broke through in last year's playoffs showing he has what it takes to compete in the NHL. With Winnik moving to center, Etem may find himself cracking the lineup in a second or third line role. Expect Etem to improve if he gets the playing time all season long.


Patrick Maroon

#62 / Left Wing / Anaheim Ducks

6-3

229

Apr 23, 1988


2013 Stats: [13 GP, 2-1-3, Avg TOI 9:47, 10 PIM]

Last year's grade: B-, see Chris' review here.

Patrick Maroon saw a short stint with the Ducks before returning to Norfolk in the AHL. Maroon produced 50 points in 64 games while with the Admirals last year. At training camp this year Maroon has been on a line with Winnik and Devante Smith-Pelly. If this line remains a part of Boudreau's plan for this year, expect Maroon to match or exceed his previous grade.


Max Friberg

#84 / Left Wing / Anaheim Ducks

5-11

195

Nov 20, 1992


2013 Stats: [6 GP (AHL), 1-0-1, 0 PIM]

Last year's grade: N/A, he spent time with Timra (Sweden) and Norfolk (AHL).

Max Friberg, listed as a center and left wing, had a strong showing at the SoCal Hockey Futures games. While Friberg did not spend enough time in Norfolk to accurately assess his skill, he continues to develop his skill with Timra in Sweden. It may be a two or three years before we see Friberg compete for a roster spot with the Ducks.


Joseph Cramarossa

#82 / Left Wing / Anaheim Ducks

6-0

192

Oct 26, 1992


2013 Stats: [68 GP (OHL), 19-44-63, 89 PIM]

Last year's grade: N/A, he spent his year with Bellville (OHL).

Crammarossa, also listed as a center and left wing, will not make the team this year - if ever. Likely vying for a role with the Norfolk Admirals, Crammarossa brings a physical element to his game. In the SoCal Hockey Futures Game 2 he managed to get in two fights, making for an energetic and entertaining player to watch.


Ryan Horvat

#85 / Left Wing / Anaheim Ducks

6-0

194

Feb 9, 1993


2013 Stats: [58 GP, 10-19-29, 69 PIM]

Last year's grade: N/A, he comes from Guelph (OHL) and is on an amateur tryout

Another player not expected to make the team. Possibly an addition for Norfolk. Horvat has average stats at best and does not look to make an impact with the Ducks.


Ross Johnston

#83 / Left Wing / Anaheim Ducks

6-4

224

Feb 18, 1994


2013 Stats: [53 GP, 12-15-27, 96 PIM]

Last year's grade: N/A, he is from Moncton (QMJHL) on an amateur tryout this year.

Like Ryan Horvat, Johnston will not be impacting the Ducks at all. Another player to look at for Norfolk I guess.


John Kurtz

#41 / Left Wing / Anaheim Ducks

6-2

210

May 16, 1989


2013 Stats: [59 GP, 3-5-8, 103 PIM]

Last year's grade: N/A, he spent all of last year in Norfolk (AHL).

Just look at those penalty minutes and lack of production - that's all you need to know about Kurtz. He will not be making the squad. Expect Kurtz to return to Norfolk again this year.


John Mitchell

#63 / Left Wing / Anaheim Ducks

6-5

216

Jul 10, 1986


2013 Stats: [61 GP, 10-4-14, 48 PIM]

Last year's grade: N/A, he spent all of last year in Norfolk (AHL).

A solid third or fourth line player in Norfolk. Don't expect Mitchell to make an impact on the Ducks roster this year. Too much depth at left wing will prevent him from contending for a roster spot.


Maxime Suave

#48 / Left Wing / Anaheim Ducks

6-2

184

Jan 30, 1990


2013 Stats: [52 GP (Providence, AHL) , 10-13-23, 24 PIM]

Last year's grade: N/A, he split time between Providence (AHL) and Rockford (AHL).

The only forward on a professional tryout with the Ducks. If his name had anything to do with making the team, Suave would be a guaranteed start with the Ducks. Unfortunately, Suave's stats don't equal the value of his name. Do not expect to see Suave with the Ducks this coming season.


Nicolas Kerdiles

Left Wing / Anaheim Ducks

6-2

196

Jan 11, 1994


[Ed. Note: College player not in Ducks' Camp this year. -CK]

2013 Stats: [32 GP, 11-22-33, 37 PIM]

Last year's grade: N/A, he spent his season with the University of Wisconsin (college).

The 2012 2nd Round pick had a rough start to his college season - Kerdiles was suspended by the NCAA. He returned to his team and won the WCHA Tournament MVP as Wisconsin won the WCHA playoff tournament. WIth his skill set, Kerdiles looks to impact the Ducks lineup in two to three years. Keep an eye on the Badgers and Kerdiles in this year's WCHA season.

Leave a comment down below with your predictions and analysis of these players.